KARE names news director

KARE is sticking with family. Jane Helmke, who has been at the station for 28 years, was named news director Friday. She has been the interim director since longtime leader Tom Lindner was let go this past May.

"Jane's played a critical role in making KARE 11 the station that people trust to deliver the news and information both on television and online, and we look forward to her continued leadership," said general manager John Remes.

In what appears to be a coincidence, Lindner announced Thursday on Facebook that he will serve as interim news director at a station based in Anchorage.